Jason Trusty Advances at TA Woods Through CFCC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship

When Jason Trusty left Virginia, he didn’t have a detailed plan, but he did have a strong work ethic and willingness to learn. A few years later, thanks to an opportunity through TA Woods and CFCC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship, he’s now building complex plumbing systems for major projects across Eastern North Carolina.

Getting Connected to the Apprenticeship

“Back in Virginia, I had been welding and liked it. I figured if I was going to stay in the trades, I wanted to grow. I just needed an opportunity.”

That opportunity came when Jason joined TA Woods, a leading mechanical and plumbing contractor in Southeastern North Carolina and a strong partner of Cape Fear Community College. Shortly after getting hired, Jason learned about CFCC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship, a registered four-level/four-year program through ApprenticeshipNC.

“I wanted to advance at TA Woods, and they told me about the apprenticeship,” Jason said. “It couldn’t hurt, right? I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I could keep working while going to school.”

Understanding the “Why” Behind the Work

The program combines on-the-job training with more than 700 hours of classroom instruction using the nationally recognized NCCER curriculum. Apprentices who complete all four levels earn their ApprenticeshipNC journeyman card and certificate.

“The first two years were mostly pipe welding,” Jason said. “Then we learned about codes, backflow preventers, pipe placement, and how to keep systems safe and up to code.”

That classroom knowledge, Jason said, completely changed how he approaches the job.

“The biggest thing it helped me with is understanding code,” Jason explained. “On a job site, you need to know where your plumbing lines go and how to avoid conflicts with electrical or mechanical lines. That’s just one example.”

“I don’t just know how to do something. I understand why it has to be done that way. That makes a huge difference.”

And that knowledge is what employers are looking for.

“Training and education are the foundations to a person’s confidence in themselves,” said Ben Thomas, Director of Apprenticeship Recruitment and Training at Ascension Property Services, the parent company of TA Woods. “It’s a key building block to their success.”

That confidence is what Jason brought to the job, and it didn’t go unnoticed.

“Jason stood out right away,” said James Mintz, Jason’s supervisor at TA Woods. “His quality of work and work ethic are top notch. He shows up every day and gives it his all.”

Taking Pride in a Job Done Right

For Jason, it’s about pride in a job well done.

“I love walking into a place I worked on, like a café or commercial kitchen, and seeing everything working the way it’s supposed to,” he said. “Hot water, cold water, no leaks, no call-backs. That’s how I know I did my job.”

The program, he added, also taught him discipline. “You can start anything, but finishing it is the reward,” Jason said. “We invested time, studied the code book, did hands-on labs, and got tested regularly. When I earned those certificates, I knew I had earned them.”

Aiming for Foreman

After graduating from the apprenticeship program, Jason has taken on more responsibilities at TA Woods and hopes to become a foreman.

“From the time I started at TA Woods four years ago to now, they’ve helped me grow,” he said. “They’ve sent me to training and supported me every step of the way. But you have to want it. You have to show them you’re serious and willing to work.”

Registering for the apprenticeship

As for anyone considering the program?

“Do it,” Jason said. “If you’re already in the trade, it’ll help you grow. If you’re just starting, it’ll give you the tools and knowledge to build a career. You’ll walk onto a job site and know what to do and why it matters.”

Enrollment is open for Level 1 of CFCC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship, which starts August 25. Don’t have a job in the industry yet? Visit CFCC’s Plumbing and Pipefitting Apprenticeship page to learn how to register and connect with employers for interviews.